Despised
/dɪˈspaɪzd/
Definitions
To feel or show contempt or a strong dislike for something or someone.
/dɪˈspaɪzd/
To regard with contempt or distaste.
He despised the way she treated her friends.
💡 Simply: Think about something you REALLY don't like – maybe brussels sprouts or someone who cuts in line. Despising someone or something is like feeling a really strong dislike for it, so strong you might even turn your nose up.
👶 For kids: When you *despise* something, it means you really, really don't like it. Like, you hate broccoli!
More Examples
The villain was despised by the heroes.
Many people despised the corrupt government.
How It's Used
"The protagonist's actions were despised by the community."
"The policies were despised by many of the citizens."
Idioms & expressions
despise the day
To intensely regret or hate a particular moment or event.
"She despises the day she ever met him."
From Middle English despis(en), from Old French despire, despiter ('to despise, scorn'), from Latin *despicere* ('to look down upon, despise'), from *de-* ('down') + *specere* ('to look').
Historically, the word has been used with similar meaning across centuries, emphasizing strong negative feelings.
Memory tip
Imagine someone spitting on a picture of something you hate. You *despise* it.